Multiple technology tracks selected by more than 40 percent of participants
 
Representing the industry's most complete ecosystem for delivering open mobility solutions to businesses, this multichannel distribution network is key to serving business customers through both operator and IT channels - the preferred and trusted channel of businesses.
 
"Enterprise mobility is clearly the next wave of IT investment for many businesses, but evaluating the benefits of various mobility solutions and selecting the best strategy can be a challenge," said John Mason, vice president of global channels and operators for the enterprise solutions division of Nokia. "Businesses of all sizes are turning to experts they can trust for help in implementing holistic solutions that bring real business value. By providing our channel partners with in-depth training and financial support, we can accelerate and simplify the deployment of mobility solutions for business customers so they can realize the benefits of a truly mobile organization."
 
"By bringing together an ecosystem of companies, Nokia is helping to lead the industry to the next phase of business mobility," said Yankee Group Vice President, Enterprise Applications and Mobile Solutions, Eugene Signorini. "Through the Nokia for Business Channel Program, Nokia is empowering resellers to meet the needs of business customers, tapping into the growth opportunity of enterprise mobility."
 
Expanding expertise with multi-track participation
The Nokia for Business Channel Program is designed to give channel partners the opportunity, resources and financial support to leverage their core expertise while also broadening their skills to include additional Nokia for Business solutions. Indeed, both new and existing partners are attracted to the growth potential of business mobility and are naturally looking to partner with Nokia, the worldwide leader in mobile communications. Among the more than 750 participating companies, more than 40 percent are enrolled in two or more technology tracks, indicating a desire to offer complete mobility solutions. Many, like U.S.-based FishNet Security, were participants of the previous Nokia channel program and have now opted to expand their expertise and maximize their business opportunity.
 
"FishNet Security has been a partner of Nokia for many years, and we are excited about the changes in the new Nokia for Business Channel Program," said Gary Fish, CEO, FishNet Security. "It affords us the opportunity to leverage our organization's national security reach, to provide best-of-breed security solutions, while also opening up additional products and services to provide to our clients in the area of mobility solutions."
 
Partner roster strong worldwide
Nokia for Business Channel Program participants span the globe, giving business customers access to 30,000 technical support experts and more than 50,000 salespeople in more than 140 countries. The program has more than 400 registered channel partners in EMEA, more than 225 in the Americas and more than 125 in Asia-Pacific and Greater China.
 
Empowering partners with online resources
To support the kick-off of the Nokia for Business Channel Program, which went live January 1, Nokia also launched this month the Nokia for Business Partner Center, a one-stop online portal that provides detailed information so that partners can fine tune their business plans throughout the year. Portions of Partner Center are powered by Salesforce.com, providing partners with a sophisticated, up-to-the-minute dashboard on their program requirements and benefits, including the status of Market Development Funds, customer leads, technical and sales certification, training accreditation levels, and financial benefits. Through Partner Center, accredited partners can also access marketing tools, training, product information and support.
 
"The Enterprise Solutions division at Nokia is truly leading the industry in building a channel ecosystem for business mobility," said Marc Benioff, chairman and CEO of Salesforce.com. "The new Partner Center portal is a first, combining the rich functionality of Salesforce.com's PRM platform with the new Nokia for Business Channel Program, giving partners simple, up-to-the-minute access to the information and sales leads they need to be successful."
 
Nokia also launched its Partner Locator, an online tool available at www.nokiaforbusines.com/channel, making it easy for end customers to find qualified business mobility channel partners. The tool gives customers access to Nokia for Business Channel Partners' credentials and contact information based on a geographic search.
 
The Nokia for Business Channel Program remains open for enrollment. Detailed program information and registration details are available online at www.nokiaforbusiness.com/channel.
 
About Nokia
Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations.